Melinda Messenger appeared on Loose Women on Thursday, June 30 to reveal her new look. The television star and former model ditched her trademark blonde locks and explained why embracing the grey was the biggest act of self-love.
Introducing the 52-year-old to the panel, presenter Kaye Adams said: "Melinda says she is happier than ever after giving herself permission to be free and says others should do the same."
As Melinda sat down, Kaye said: "I feel kind of embarrassed that we make such a fuss about someone's hair colour but it is a thing in this world, isn't it?"
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"I can't get my head around it quite frankly," Melinda responded, before adding: "I think it doesn't even look that much different, probably because it's all still so blonde and white and blends in, but also why the big deal? That's the thing that surprised me the most."
Despite her hair now being healthier and more affordable to maintain, Melinda revealed that while making the decision to initially to embrace the grey she "suddenly became aware of the judgement".
Urging people to do whatever they want to do, Melinda said: "Why not? Why not? I might dye my hair pink, blue, green. It doesn't matter, does it? It's just hair."
"It's more than just hair though, isn't it?" Kay asked. "Ageing for a woman can be quite a complex thing, and there's a lot of judgement in it, are you embracing this stage of life?"
"It's definitely about embracing this stage of life, yes," Melinda said. Explaining that she'd experienced some negativity over the new look, she said: "A few people were like 'it looks disgusting, you look so old, why would you do that?' and I thought, 'I am getting older but what's wrong with that?' I'm not 27, I dont want to be 27, I love being my age."
Praising Melinda, one viewer wrote: "Melinda Messenger looks fabulous with her natural grey hair, still stunning. More women need to embrace the grey and fit h the grey.. More women need to embrace the grey."
While another added: "Melinda Messenger is one of the nicest people in the media and she still looks absolutely incredible."
Loose Women continues weekdays at 12:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.